Paan Singh Tomar is finally released, and is rocking the movie goers, who are calling it as one of the best movies so far. The euphoric claims may be valid, but only time will tell.
The story, if told, will seem like all dacoit movies. In that respect, Paan singh Tomar falls in the Cant-Believe-Its-True category, it being based on a true story. Paan Singh Tomar, was, in fact, a dacoit who terrorised the Chambal valley in the 70s. Prior to that, he was a soldier and an athlete, having represented India. If you think about it, mostly all dacoit stories in are about a law-abiding citizen wronged before he takes up the gun.
We first see Paan Singh as a tired, old dacoit, who has decided to give an interview to a local journalist, who is in awe of him. But the respect he commands from those around him makes one question, he is really dreaded? His story begins when he is a young lad, just joined the army, probably 17. We see a tall, lean, strapping man. But there is an awkwardness about him.
He becomes an athlete, not because he loves sports, but because the army has higher rations for sports persons. Not a noble intention, but believable.
From a soldier to an athlete to a dacoit, the journey is unbelievable. It is a statement to the neglect for our sportsmen as well, the ignominy they receive once their career ends. The scene where PST tries to impress the police inspector with his medals is heart wrenching without intending to be so. We see PST bring laurels to the country, but all that is ignored. Later, he bitterly says that nobody remembers him for his achievements on the track, but they remember hims for his exploits as a dacoit. The bitterness with which the line is spoken stays with us.
The movie is believable due to the amazing Irrfan, who lends believability to the character. Paan Singh was an extraordinary character with an extraordinary life, and to lend it credibility requires someone with lots of talent. We start off with a PST who is a truant, to one who is determined to win a race. In between ,we get to see his vulnerability, especially when he goes to the police station.
PST is a must watch for the sheer Strange-But-True nature of the protagonist's live, portrayed exceptionally well by Irrfan
The story, if told, will seem like all dacoit movies. In that respect, Paan singh Tomar falls in the Cant-Believe-Its-True category, it being based on a true story. Paan Singh Tomar, was, in fact, a dacoit who terrorised the Chambal valley in the 70s. Prior to that, he was a soldier and an athlete, having represented India. If you think about it, mostly all dacoit stories in are about a law-abiding citizen wronged before he takes up the gun.
We first see Paan Singh as a tired, old dacoit, who has decided to give an interview to a local journalist, who is in awe of him. But the respect he commands from those around him makes one question, he is really dreaded? His story begins when he is a young lad, just joined the army, probably 17. We see a tall, lean, strapping man. But there is an awkwardness about him.
He becomes an athlete, not because he loves sports, but because the army has higher rations for sports persons. Not a noble intention, but believable.
From a soldier to an athlete to a dacoit, the journey is unbelievable. It is a statement to the neglect for our sportsmen as well, the ignominy they receive once their career ends. The scene where PST tries to impress the police inspector with his medals is heart wrenching without intending to be so. We see PST bring laurels to the country, but all that is ignored. Later, he bitterly says that nobody remembers him for his achievements on the track, but they remember hims for his exploits as a dacoit. The bitterness with which the line is spoken stays with us.
The movie is believable due to the amazing Irrfan, who lends believability to the character. Paan Singh was an extraordinary character with an extraordinary life, and to lend it credibility requires someone with lots of talent. We start off with a PST who is a truant, to one who is determined to win a race. In between ,we get to see his vulnerability, especially when he goes to the police station.
PST is a must watch for the sheer Strange-But-True nature of the protagonist's live, portrayed exceptionally well by Irrfan
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